First Nations Award

For First Nations-led, owned and operated businesses succeeding through entrepreneurialism, innovation and inspiring the next generation of all Australians.
Open to eligible small and medium-sized businesses across Australia.

Is this category right for your business?

This award recognises First Nations‑led, owned and operated businesses with these characteristics:

  1. First Nations ownership and leadership

    Your business is majority Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander‑owned and led, with First Nations leaders guiding key decisions and direction.

  2. Strong commercial foundations

    You are building a strong, sustainable business with clear goals and operations that support your ongoing success.

  3. Impact beyond profit

    Your business creates impact beyond profit, such as strengthening culture, supporting people or communities, or creating opportunities.

  4. A clear story of progress

    You can clearly explain what you have built, what success looks like and where your business is heading.

This category may be right for you if your business is First Nations‑led, owned and operated and delivers both strong performance and meaningful impact.

Want to explore other categories? View all award categories

Additional eligibility for the First Nations Award

In addition to the characteristics above, the First Nations Award has specific eligibility requirements.

To enter, your business must be majority First Nations-led, owned and operated.

You will be asked to confirm ownership and leadership through a recognised Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander business organisation or registry.

Eligibility is confirmed as part of the Awards Hub process.

To make sure this category is right for your business, review the full eligibility requirements before entering.

Check full eligibility criteria

What judges look for

Judges want to understand how your business performs, how it is led and the impact it creates.

Your business story

Who owns and leads your business, how it started and how First Nations leadership shapes your direction.

How your business runs

How your business operates day to day, including the decisions, systems and ways of working that support your success.

Your impact

The difference your business is making, with clear examples and results that show the outcomes you are creating.

Growth and sustainability

How your business will continue to grow, adapt and create opportunities into the future.